Mariapolis

Mariapolis is nested on PTH 23, 15 km West of the junction of PTH 34, just inside the West border of the Pembina Valley. This is a beautiful, quiet residential community. It could serve as an ideal retirement community as it is centrally located to several golf courses as well as several fishing holes all within 30-40 minute drive.

The town has three beautiful buildings: The Roman Catholic Church built in 1908; the first school (built in 1899), later the rectory, now the Post Office and the grocery store built in 1914.

The cemetery dates back to 1905.

The famous French author, Gabrielle Roy, mentions Mariapolis in her novel called “Children of My Heart” probably because her father, Leon Roy, was one of the first businessmen in town. He ran the grocery/supply store in partnership with his brother-in-law Calixte Landry. An excellent grocery store with an MLC and lottery outlet is still located in the Landry building.

The Pembina Co-op supplies the community with hardware, farm supplies and gas bar. The Westoba Credit Union covers the banking needs. The Mariapolis Hotel provides rooms, Internet access, excellent home cooked meals, which include Saturday night steak fries, as well as catering services. Deschouwer Insurance fills our Autopac and general needs. Prairie Spirit School Division’s maintenance shop is located in Mariapolis. Excellent workmanship is offered by Briand’s Cabinets. Canada Malt Company has a facility located just outside of town which handles barley from southern Manitoba.

There are vacant lots at very low prices and low taxes. There are good ground water supply wells. The town also has a sewer system which is maintained by Pouteau Backhoe and Trenching. A recycling shed helps us do our part for the environment.

The town Recreation Center is abuzz with activity including dancing, meetings and an active Drama club. Every spring, laughter resounds at the presentation of a new production. The local Senior’s Centre provides entertainment and companionship for our seniors. The Mariapolis Arena offers skating and broomball in winter and social gatherings in the summer. There is a fitness center (accessible 12 months a year) located on the second floor of the Arena. Yoga classes are offered weekly during the winter months. The town also has an outdoor Belgian Bowling court. The Sports Grounds (Marihappiness Days August 1 long weekend) have 3 well-maintained ball diamonds, a batting cage and pitching machine and two children’s play areas. The local campground is equipped with electrical sites and a waste station.

The area offers excellent hunting and fishing opportunities with the Pembina River and Swan Lake being only a couple of miles South and East of town. In winter, a groomed snowmobile trail passes through town.

Mariapolis can boast of having a New York Rangers hockey player: Rene Trudell who played right wing. He was born on Jan 31, 1919 deceased July 25, 1984. His stats can be found on the internet.